A lover of learning, protector of others, and passionate advocate for those in need,
Kayla Davenport’s (DO ’25) infectious energy has always been her strength.
“I talk a lot; that has never changed,” she said. “I use that ability to make people smile, laugh, and ultimately feel better.”
Davenport and two of her siblings spent four years in the foster care system before being adopted by their mom and dad.
“My twin sister and younger brother were more reserved than me, so I always felt obligated to speak up for them,” she shared. “I’m very protective, and I think that’s where my abilities came into play.”
Davenport’s parents noticed those abilities and poured into her.
Her mother’s kind approach allowed freedom to explore, while her father’s continuous push for excellence helped her rise to any challenge. That delicate balance resulted in incredible opportunities for the whole family.
“I’m grateful because they pushed me to be the best version of myself,” she said. “They elevated both myself and my siblings.”
In high school, Davenport volunteered at a local hospital, where she interacted with patients for the first time. She decided to continue learning more about different fields of medicine through her undergraduate studies and post baccalaureate degree. When she completed her trauma center externship, her interest in emergency medicine solidified.
“Emergency medicine encapsulated everything I like,” she said. “And I like knowing about a lot!”
After learning about the opportunity to complete a dual residency, she has now redirected her goals to one day becoming a dual-certified Emergency
Medicine/Internal Medicine physician.
At PCOM, Davenport has been recognized as a 2024 McGruder-Knox Scholar. She is also the DO Class Chair for the Class of 2025, a student interviewer, and co-founder and active member of Sisters in Medicine. Through the organization, she is able to support current and future Black women in medical and graduate school.
“I actively look for people who need help and try to uplift them because not everyone has someone who supports them,” she said.
“We’re humans; we don’t know everything. The more networking you do, the more knowledge you can gain. Women of color sometimes don’t ask for help because it’s hard to be vulnerable, but asking for help means you’re willing to grow.”
Davenport’s growth hasn’t hit its peak just yet. She plans on continuing to learn until she runs her own department one day. Her main goal is to ensure others feel seen and heard despite their background. Something that is very personal to her.
“Adversity always brings out the best in people long term. All these things that happened to me led up to now, and if I had given up, then I wouldn't be here,” she shared. “I don’t like limits. Everything to me is limitless.”
From February 1 to February 29, PCOM joins others around the country in observing Black History Month. This important celebration honors the histories, cultures and contributions of those who identify as Black or African American. At PCOM, we recognize our faculty, students and staff who identify as such and will highlight their stories throughout the month.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine